Patient involvement in radiology research:Evidence from a systematic review of outcome

measurement in radiology

S Mathers*+, G McKenzie*, E Robertson*, J Proctor*+, R Chesson+

NHS Grampian*, The Health Services Research Group+

Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

What aspects of health care can be evaluated?

StructureResources, facilities,

organisational settings

ProcessIntervention e.g.

surgery, procedure

OutcomeChange due to

intervention

...a successful outcome, as defined from the professionals perspective, may not necessarily be regarded as a successful outcome by the patient.’

Wright, 1999

Aim

To carry out a systematic review of literature to identify:• the prevalence, • use of patient focused outcome measures in

radiology.

Using 47 key words radiology, diagnostic imaging, x-ray/

outcomes patient satisfaction efficacy outcome measures waiting times quality of care

Databases: Medline, Cinahl 1990-2003.

Results

Citations reviewed 112

Patient focused outcome 22

Results

NO paper was found in which patient defined outcome had been used in radiology

Patient focused outcome papers

Primary aim of research (n=7)

- role of imaging on patient outcome (n=4)

- comparison of interventional procedures (n=1)

- most appropriate imaging modality (n=1)

- long term consequences of radiation doses (n=1)

Patient focused outcome papers

Secondary aim of research (n=4)

-all interventional studies

Conclusions

• Dearth of research into patient focused outcomes in radiology

• Lack of coherent body of work

• Reflects little patient involvement in radiology research

Recommendations

• Outcome measurement should be embedded within the cultures of radiology and radiography

• Patient engagement should take place in developing patient defined outcome especially in the area of interventional radiology

• Value of patient focused outcomes incorporated into education, benchmarking and planning of health care

Acknowledgements

The Royal College of Radiologists (UK)